Texas Rangers: Constructing the franchise’s all-time playoff team

Texas Rangers top playoff performers: Outfield

Right Field: Juan Gonzalez 1996

Lets go all the way back to the first post season appearance in franchise history in 1996. Gonzalez, or “Juan Gone” as Rangers fans know him, certainly made a splash against the Yankees in their series. He hit .438 with five home runs and 9 RBI. He homered in every game including a 2 home run game in game 2. The Rangers would fall to the eventual World Champion Yankees 3 games to 1 in the series.

Center Field: Josh Hamilton 2011

Though 2010 saw Hamilton win the ALCS MVP for his performance against the Yankees, his overall run in 2011 was better from start to finish. He didn’t quite put up his usual power numbers, hitting only one home run while driving in 13 runs, but he hit a respectable .271 and had no errors defensively. He was a key to the success of what most people consider the best team in franchise history.

Left Field: David Murphy 2011

Murphy was an on base machine for the Rangers in their 2011 run. He hit .317, but it was his .429 OBP that really stood out.

Designated Hitter: Nelson Cruz 2011

Nelson Cruz put together the best offensive performance in a playoff series in franchise history, earning him MVP honors of the 2011 ALCS. In that 6 game series against the Detroit Tigers he hit .364 with six home runs and 13 RBI.  Though he played Right Field for the Rangers that season, he gets the nod as the DH because….well….you know…..